Page 31 of Alone with the Beastly Duke
Jasmine, however, knew that it could not possibly be a dream, especially since she could still remember vividly how Axel had broken into her room, held her in his arms, pressed a kiss on her hair, and even agreed to sleep in her room. He had also tucked her in and simply treated her with tenderness. She smiled at the memory.
Eager to see Axel again, Jasmine quickly dressed and headed for the drawing room. She was surprised to see that the drawing room was empty and quiet. It took her a while to remember that this was not her father’s house where the drawing room was always loud and chaotic.
Jasmine also headed to the dining room, which was also empty. It was almost like there was no living being in the entire house. Jasmine decided to venture outside, and it was then that she saw Axel’s butler, who gave a bow.
Once outside, Jasmine could once again see the vast difference between her father’s estate and Axel’s. Axel’s compound simply had the bushes perfectly trimmed in place of the fruits and flowers in Thornhill’s estate.
Jasmine was still taking a walk, examining the gardens, when she stumbled on the most beautiful sight in the world. Just a few feet away from Jasmine was a small pond, and in the pond was Axel, whose eyes were closed with a relaxed look on his face. And what was more? He was naked from his waist up, and his well-toned body glistened in the morning’s early sun.
Jasmine did not know she had been standing there, gaping at the most magnificent man she had ever seen, until she heard his voice and jolted awake.
“Lady Jasmine,” he said again, staring up at her.
“I…I apologize,” she responded, flustered.
The realization that he had probably seen her gaping at his body like that embarrassed her to no end. She wondered briefly if he could see in her eyes that she wanted him to take her in his arms till she moaned out of pleasure.
“Are you truly fine?” he asked, looking concerned.
“Indeed, I am,” she replied.
Save for the intrusive thoughts of the erotic things I would like you to do to me that just would not leave my mind.
“Earlier, you looked like you had seen a ghost, and when I spoke, you did not seem to have heard me,” he said.
“Oh,” she had no idea what to say. “I must have been dazed by hunger, Your Grace,” she joked.
She immediately regretted the joke.
What if he thought I was some glutton who only ever thought of food?
Fortunately, Axel laughed, and Jasmine was relieved.
“I like to take a swim here every morning to get some sense of normalcy,” he explained.
Jasmine laughed.
And I would give anything to always be an audience when you take your swim.
“That sounds fun, Your Grace,” she replied instead.
“Indeed, it is. Until my neighbors start to cause a ruckus, and then they end up ruining my perfectly serene morning,” Axel said.
Jasmine laughed. “It seems my family has really done a lot to vex you,” Jasmine commented.
Axel nodded. “In fact, I have a book where I simply list all that the Thornhills have done to me. Presently, the list is on number two hundred and fifteen.”
Jasmine was shocked. “I cannot believe it.”
Axel laughed. “Of course, I am simply pulling your leg,” Axel said.
Jasmine sighed in relief. “I know how rowdy and noisy my family can be, so I did not even try to deny it. As a member of the family myself, if I were to make a list, I would have finished at least five books.”
Jasmine felt happy and at peace. She knew that very few people had ever seen Axel in such a relaxed environment, and she felt happy that she was one of those very few people.
“I am famished. Breakfast should already be served now, don’t you think?” Axel asked.
Jasmine nodded. “I believe so, Your Grace.”
